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The Science of Fingerprints - Theory FSCT 8320

Forensic Investigation Course

Course details

This course covers the history of fingerprints as it relates to individualization; friction skin development; how to obtain a proper set of known fingerprint impressions; the Henry Classification System, the Auto-Class Classification System and Real Time Identification (RTID) System; fingerprint individualization with emphasis on Ridgeology; palm print individualization including the use of palmar flexion creases; procedures utilized in crime scene examination and recovery of fingerprints; chemical techniques for fingerprint detection; the Identification of Criminals Act; and the expert witness in the Canadian Court System.

Prerequisite(s)

  • Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

Credits

3.0

Cost

$790.10

Course offerings

Spring/Summer 2023

Below is one offering of FSCT 8320 for the Spring/Summer 2023 term.

CRN 55303

Duration

Mon Apr 24 - Mon Jun 26 (10 weeks)

  • 10 weeks
  • CRN 55303
  • $790.10
Class meeting times
Dates Days Times Locations
Apr 24 - Jun 26 N/A N/A Online
Jun 18 - Jun 25 Sat 09:00 - 17:00 Burnaby SW01 Rm. 2009
Jun 18 - Jun 25 Sat 09:00 - 17:00 Burnaby SW01 Rm. 3010
Instructor

Dom Toa

Course outline

Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.

Cost

$790.10

Important information
  1. Departmental approval needed
  2. Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
  3. This Hybrid offering will mostly be online with two (2) in person classes (Sunday June 18 and 25) 0900-1700 at the Burnaby campus. Lab Coats are REQUIRED for this course and are available for purchase at the BCIT bookstore: bit.ly/3DrARrt . Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approvals. There is no required textbook for this offering. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca. For information on Forensic programs and courses, please visit: www.bcit.ca/cas/forensics .
Status

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course the student will be able to:

  • Explain the history of fingerprint individualization.
  • Define friction skin and how it is formed.
  • Explain and defend, through scientific knowledge, how fingerprint individualization can be so positive and infallible.
  • Define the composition of ecrine sweat.
  • Explain the requirements of a properly obtained known set of fingerprints and demonstrate correct techniques.
  • Explain both the Henry, Auto-Class classification systems and RTID.
  • Explain how a fingerprint comparison is conducted and demonstrate correct techniques.
  • Explain crime scene techniques for latent fingerprint examination and recovery.
  • Explain chemical techniques for latent fingerprint examination.
  • Define and understand the Identification of Criminals Act.
  • Discuss various aspects of an expert witness in the Canadian court system.

Effective as of Fall 2015

Related Programs

The Science of Fingerprints - Theory (FSCT 8320) is offered as a part of the following programs:

School of Computing and Academic Studies

  1. Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Forensic Science
    Bachelor of Science Part-time
  2. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Advanced Certificate Part-time
  3. Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
    Bachelor of Technology Part-time

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  • Privacy Notice: The information you provide will be used to respond your request for BCIT course information and is collected under Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For more information about BCIT’s privacy practices contact: Associate Director, Privacy, Information Access & Policy Management, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, BC V5A 3H2, email: privacy@bcit.ca.